Just a month ago, I was on the buzzing sidewalks of Broadway, Nashville—the heart and soul of country music. Picture it: every honky-tonk with its windows thrown wide open, neon signs lighting the way, and the twang of country rock pouring out into the warm Tennessee night. The scene was quintessential: good ol’ boys in checkered shirts and cowboy hats mixing with Daisy Duke-wearing country girls in boots, turning the street into one massive, lively party. But that electric atmosphere? I thought it was something only Nashville could deliver.
Fast forward a month, and I’m back in my hometown of Bristol, walking by the river, the cool autumn breeze in stark contrast to Nashville’s warmth. Just as I’m pulling my fleece a little tighter, I spot something unexpected—a couple of Western-clad couples strolling by, looking straight out of Music City. The sight felt surreal against Bristol’s industrial backdrop. A few minutes later, I walk through the iconic stone entrance of The Marble Factory, and it hits me: I’m right back in Nashville—well, almost. Bristol’s beloved venue was transformed, awash in denim, rhinestones, Stetsons, and the unmistakable “yeehaws” of a proper country crowd.
No, this wasn’t some post-holiday nostalgia playing tricks on me. This was “One Night in Nashville,” bringing the Southern swagger across the pond.
Now, Bristol has long had a love affair with country music. From homegrown talents like Elles Bailey and Danny McMahon to its Americana festivals and themed nights, the city has supported the genre even when it wasn’t the hottest thing on the charts. But now, with country enjoying a well-earned resurgence in the UK, Bristol is a thriving hub for all things honky-tonk.
Enter “One Night In Nashville,” officially dubbed “One Night in Nashville featuring Maria Jordan.” Riding the wave of country’s UK popularity, this event aims to give fans a taste of that legendary Nashville experience. And judging by the packed-out crowd at The Marble Factory, all dressed to the nines in their country finest, they’re nailing it.
For the uninitiated, “One Night In Nashville” is the UK’s first downtown Nashville honky-tonk live experience. Fronted by singer-songwriter Maria Jordan, the show is a celebration of country music’s finest. Maria’s journey into country began at 15 when she first picked up a guitar and fell for the genre’s raw, soulful storytelling. But back then, opportunities for country musicians in the UK were scarce. Frustrated by this, Maria and Dave Heyes of JTC Records (also ONIN’s drummer) took a pilgrimage to Nashville. What they found—the buzzing live music scene, the honky-tonks, and the songwriter rounds—left them spellbound. They were determined to bring a slice of that back to British shores.
And thus, “One Night In Nashville” was born. Starting small in the North West of England, the event has grown in tandem with the UK’s exploding love for country music. Today, it’s a full-blown sensation, packing out bigger venues and festivals each year. In 2023, the UK tour completely sold out, and it shows no sign of slowing down.
The night, hosted by Maria herself, showcases a lineup of some of the UK’s most talented country songwriters, musicians, producers, and performers. They belt out the biggest modern and classic country hits—think Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Glen Campbell, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, and Carrie Underwood—alongside Maria’s own original material. It’s a perfect blend of Southern anthems and homegrown talent, giving UK fans a bona fide Nashville experience.
In short, “One Night In Nashville” isn’t just a tribute to Music City—it’s a movement. And if the Bristol crowd is any indication, country music’s reign in the UK is just getting started.
The night unfolded like a star-spangled dream for every country music lover, as Maria and her talented band took the stage for over two hours, igniting the crowd with an energy that felt almost electric. Between songs, Maria shared the remarkable story behind the show, reminding us just how far this journey has come. It was hard to believe that this vibrant performance once thrived in the intimate confines of small venues.
Much like the honky-tonks of Broadway, the setlist was a treasure trove of country classics, both old and new—a masterclass in giving the people what they crave. Bristol turned out in full force for a sing-along, and sing along they did! From the very first notes of Dolly Parton’s iconic “Jolene” and Glen Campbell’s timeless “Rhinestone Cowboy” to Taylor Swift’s modern classic “Love Story,” the atmosphere was charged. A standout medley featuring Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold’em” had the crowd fully ignited, with dancers twirling in two-steps, line dances flowing, and cowboy hats raised high amidst enthusiastic “yeehaws.”
As the night progressed, the audience eagerly took over the vocals, delivering a spine-tingling rendition of “Islands in the Stream” that sent shivers down spines. When they reached “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” it felt like the roof might lift right off the venue.
By the end of the evening, I found myself wishing for not just “One Night in Nashville” but countless more. And judging by the smiles and nods from Maria and her band, they seem to share that sentiment. So, keep your eyes peeled for their return to the city in 2025—this is one country experience you won’t want to miss!
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
Role: I’m a professional photographer and I love using both digital and film formats.
Qualification: I have two university degrees in photography from UWE in Bristol, BA (hons) and a Master’s.
Available for: Gig shoots, festival shoots, portrait photoshoots, album and single cover shoots and behind the scenes photography.
First attended gig: When I was at school, we had an evening called “Bands Night”. At the ages of 14/15, quite a few of my friends were in a band, playing the drums, guitar and vocals. I would always go and support these nights as I was their biggest fan, but also because staying out until 9:30pm on a school night was wild. These are the earliest gigs I can remember and I remember them so fondly.
First gig shot: BAD SOUNDS! What an impressive show it was.
Dream gig: Heavy question. There are so many and I feel very lucky to have already photographed the likes of Self-Esteem and Arlo Parks. Photographing a Prince concert would have been magic. Right now, I’ll say that photographing U2, during an intimate performance somewhere in Ireland would be more than a dream come true.”